Today, more than ever, we must use the power of words to overcome oppression. We also need to stop fearing the other, valuing difference rather than embracing only those who look like us. This blog offers a forum to share ideas on using language to promote a just society.
I think campaigns like this are essential because they are incredibly effective at penetrating a ritual space that has traditionally been defined by masculinity, heteronormativity, and too a lesser extent, whiteness. The You Can Play Campaign comes on the heels of a lot of other progress in sports such as Steve Nash and Michael Strahan's support of New York marriage equality and Rick Welts, a executive for the Pheonix Suns, coming out last year. The medium of sports allows for gay rights groups to communicate directly with straight, masculine men and show them that gay folks are just as capable at athletics and any number of other things as straight folks are.
I think campaigns like this are essential because they are incredibly effective at penetrating a ritual space that has traditionally been defined by masculinity, heteronormativity, and too a lesser extent, whiteness. The You Can Play Campaign comes on the heels of a lot of other progress in sports such as Steve Nash and Michael Strahan's support of New York marriage equality and Rick Welts, a executive for the Pheonix Suns, coming out last year. The medium of sports allows for gay rights groups to communicate directly with straight, masculine men and show them that gay folks are just as capable at athletics and any number of other things as straight folks are.
ReplyDelete